Asked on Nov 12, 2017

Recommendations for smoke alarms in humid climates?

Rachel
by Rachel

My parents have just thrown out their smoke alarm, because it kept going off for no reason. This is the second smoke alarm that has had that problem. We think that it's due to the humidity.

Can anyone recommend a smoke alarm that works well in high humidity?

Thanks :)


  8 answers
  • Chances are the smoke alarms were just fine. Placement of smoke alarms is the key to effectiveness. Get new smoke alarms then call our local Fire Department to come out and help out with proper placement. Humidity will certainly set them off. Do not place directly outside a steamy bathroom door or too close to the stove. Here are a couple links!


    https://energytoday.biz/blog/why-your-smoke-detector-gives-false-alarms


    http://vintechnology.com/2011/06/07/top-10-common-reasons-your-smoke-detector-is-set-off/


    https://m.wikihow.com/Avoid-False-Alarms-With-Your-Smoke-Alarm


    Since it is the law to have a certain number of smoke alarms in a house when sold (in my state), people purchase them, I think they half read or do not read and slap them up without thinking. When I bought my house, they had one in the kitchen (8' ceilings) and even during the home inspection process they went off and I told the home inspector not to worry about it, I was going to relocate before I moved in. Just turning on the stove would set the alarm off.




  • V V on Nov 12, 2017

    When the battery gets low the alarm beeps and sound like it’s goig off, this continues intermittently and is annoying. Maybe the batteries need changing.

  • Granny Wilt Granny Wilt on Nov 12, 2017

    I would call your fire dept.

  • Sharon Sharon on Nov 12, 2017

    If this is the problem, I'm sure the local hardware store or home store guy would have a recommendation..... I've always found its a weak battery.

  • Cindy Darsey Chadwell Cindy Darsey Chadwell on Nov 12, 2017

    we live in Florida, we have the kidde brand up and they have worked great for 2 years

  • 17335038 17335038 on Nov 12, 2017

    Good point by others about contacting the fire department as a resource and for advice as to fire alarm maintenance, and the best placement for fire alarms in your home.

    While we often perceive firefighters as predominately those who put out fires, it is often overlooked that they are experts in fire prevention as well.

    Phone on the info line though, not the emergency line, otherwise a fire truck might be dispatched to your door!

  • Rachel Rachel on Nov 15, 2017

    Thanks everyone!

  • Kashish Kashish on Jun 28, 2019

    Don't solely depend on the fire alarm only. It's right that contact the local fire department first and also ask them about the problem of the fire alarm. I think before buying any new fire alarm, take advice from the local fire department is essential.